RFID-wireless sensor networks integration: Decision models and optimization of logistics systems operations

• Integrated RFID and wireless sensor networks system for logistics operations.
• Increased logistics control by having adequate information about the transportation conditions.
• Reduced costs related to late delivery, such as out of stock and lost sales costs, and penalties imposed by customers.
• Increased agility and responsiveness in face of disturbances leading to spoilage of products during transportation.

Providing models for quality and in-time logistics operations is always a difficult problem. Transportation of perishable items makes the logistics problem even more challenging. For several years now, RFID technology is increasingly used in logistics operations for materials and products identification. More recently, wireless sensor networks proved their value for a significant number of applications where difficult to solve problems found solutions through the use of networks of tiny sensors. Logistics is a new area in which sensor networks value is expected to be confirmed. This work addresses important logistics operations aspects through the use of an integrated RFID-sensor network system that is able to detect the condition of perishable products as they are moved downstream the supply chain before undesired totally loss of products occurs. The implementation of the proposed model carries important cost reduction prospects.